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Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.¹

The book of Proverbs provides us with practical wisdom for living; e.g., Chapter 13, verse 13, shows us a contrast between those who refuse or despise the word and those who revere it; destruction and reward, respectively. The distinction implies a choice that is presented before us, like having to decide which way to go at a junction or a fork-on-the-road; left or right?

Those who choose worldly counsel and turn away from godly wisdom are depicted as “simple” who are killed by their turning away.² Even more offensive, it pointedly contrasts the righteous vs. the wicked. The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, but the belly of the wicked suffers want³—an insatiable craving for more; never satisfied!

Methodically, at the onset the Book of Proverbs defines what is its purpose and what are its possible benefits. To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth—Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.⁴

If you haven’t acquired the habit of reading the Word of God, simply decide to do so and start. If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.⁵ My son, if you receive my words . . . if you call out for insight . . . if you seek it like silver . . . then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; . . .⁶

The rewards or gifts are beyond compare, nothing that money could buy. But the promises don’t come easy. They are revealed partially, progressively, and conditionally. The conditions may be daunting: Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God . . .⁷ Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?⁸ There is a common thread that binds the unity. Thus, church leaders are given the tasks to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we attain unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God to mature manhood, . . . so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and from by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. . . .⁹

So if there is any encouragement in Christ . . . complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.¹⁰ Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.¹¹